Canadian head of state to speak about innovation at UCLA

By Peggy McInerny, UCLA International Institute Originally posted in UCLA Newsroom

David Lloyd Johnston, Canada’s governor general, will speak at UCLA about how the United States and Canada can promote innovation across disciplines and across borders.

Johnston, a respected Canadian legal scholar and university administrator who has published eight books on corporate finance, securities and information technology law, was named governor general in October 2010.

Prior to his appointment as governor general, Johnston served as president of the University of Waterloo (1999–2010), principal and vice chancellor of McGill University (1979–94) and dean of the faculty of law at the University of Western Ontario (1974–79).

The University of Waterloo, one of Canada’s most innovative universities, is recognized for advanced research and teaching in science and engineering, health, environmental issues, and the arts and social sciences and is home to the world’s largest postsecondary cooperative education program. In 2011, Waterloo officially renamed its Research and Technology Park in honor of David Johnston in recognition of his contributions to the university and his commitment to advancing research and technology in service of the people of the community and of all Canadians.

The event is sponsored by the UCLA International Institute, the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations and the Consulate General of Canada–Los Angeles.

R.S.V.P. | INFORMATION
The event is free and open to the public, but attendees must R.S.V.P. online at http://ucla.in/1f4Z87T. For more information, contact Elsie Walton, director of external affairs for the UCLA International Institute, at 310-206-7329 or ewalton@international.ucla.edu.

BACKGROUND:
In his largely ceremonial but highly respected role, Johnston represents Queen Elizabeth II in Canada’s constitutional monarchy, which consists of the queen, the Senate and the House of Commons, and serves as Canada’s commander-in-chief. He presides over swearing-in ceremonies for the prime minister, chief justice and cabinet ministers and receives royal visitors and foreign dignitaries during their visits to Canada, among other duties.